overlook 1 of 2

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as in to dominate
to look down on the fortress overlooks the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to possess
to cast a spell on the superstitious grandmother actually believed that the baby had been overlooked by a gypsy woman

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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overlook

2 of 2

noun

as in lookout
a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible just down the road there's a great overlook where you can get a panoramic view of the valley below

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word overlook distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of overlook are disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care.

in my rush I overlooked a key example

When would disregard be a good substitute for overlook?

While in some cases nearly identical to overlook, disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

When is it sensible to use forget instead of overlook?

While the synonyms forget and overlook are close in meaning, forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind.

forget what others say

Where would ignore be a reasonable alternative to overlook?

The words ignore and overlook can be used in similar contexts, but ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When is neglect a more appropriate choice than overlook?

The words neglect and overlook are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention.

habitually neglected his studies

When can slight be used instead of overlook?

In some situations, the words slight and overlook are roughly equivalent. However, slight implies contemptuous or disdainful disregarding or omitting.

slighted several major authors in her survey

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of overlook
Verb
His office sits on the second floor of the three-story practice facility, overlooking the team’s three practice fields to the north side. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2025 But while gawking greedily at the big picture, the boy genius is overlooking some messy details, mostly involving his disgruntled android army. Noel Murray, Vulture, 20 Aug. 2025
Noun
This summer, two astronomers will do lectures and stage star parties and meteor-watching gigs in Ketchum and Stanley, a small town 30 miles to the north of the overlook. Julia Duin, Outside Online, 6 June 2025 Visitors can see the Canyon from overlooks on the South Rim, such as Mather Point and the popular sunrise/sunset viewing spot Hopi Point. Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overlook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlook
Verb
  • In an age dominated by smartphones, his old devices serve as both nostalgic keepsakes and reminders of a slower, less connected time.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Once dominated by legacy brands, like L’Oréal, Unilever, Estée Lauder, P&G, LVMH, and Chanel, the $650B sector has transformed significantly, with the explosive growth of new brands like e.l.f., AI technology, and social media.
    Dean DeBiase, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This isn’t about weakening rights or ignoring the role of guns.
    For the Carroll County Times, Baltimore Sun, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Or Joe Biden when Putin ignored his warnings and invaded Ukraine in 2022.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The judge said Habba can't participate in or supervise these defendants' prosecutions, and that her past actions in their cases – such as signing an indictment – were void.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The Matrix Reloaded, where his son R.A. Rondell served as supervising stunt coordinator.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Pigs possess proteins and genes sufficiently different from humans to trigger rejection.
    David A. Brenner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
  • The kidnappers possess a compromising video involving her and her stepson, Matheo, threatening to release it if Vivienne helps Abigail.
    Time, Time, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Last year, the FAA's leadership under the Biden administration established a committee to examine the shortcomings of Part 450.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025
  • This would allow the team to examine offset sediment layers and date past quakes, providing a clearer picture of the fault's recurrence rate.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • One could be forgiven for regarding it as a trial or even a punishment; at best a mild embarrassment, at worst a scarring disaster.
    Book Marks August 21, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Wolverhampton Wanderers supporters could be forgiven for a lack of excitement when their latest summer signing was confirmed this week.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The fire crew has managed to contain none of the blaze by Friday evening.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Antihistamines can ease itching, while ibuprofen or acetaminophen help manage pain.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Roberts, now 48, and Fowler headed into the building, while Saur reportedly served as a lookout and watched the rewired cameras.
    Mark Gray, People.com, 11 Aug. 2025
  • The lookout point is equipped with viewing binoculars.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overlook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlook. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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